Jesus is not a religion but a relationship with God

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So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. Matthew 26:19

The disciples didn’t prepare The Last Supper because it was there idea, they were commanded by Jesus to prepare The Last Supper, Why? Because Jesus wants us to know how important his sacrifice on the cross is. This is an event that will change the world forever, change the destiny of humanity forever, and defeated sin and death forever.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26

Notice Jesus First Blessed the Bread, Then Broke The Bread, and Then gave it to everyone. Just as when Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread, he first Blessed The Bread and then Broke it. Breaking of Bread is a Jewish custom that the head of the table or household says the blessing and breaks the bread.

Jesus is not only showing them that his body on the cross will be a broken sacrifice for us like the Bread but also he is the King of Kings, he Blessed, Broke, and Delivered the Bread of Life for all of us

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28

Without Blood there is no life and without the Blood of Jesus there is no forgiveness for our sins. He is The Lamb of God, the atoning sacrifice for our sins. So by drinking the wine, remember the importance of Jesus sacrifice on the cross.

The cross created a new covenant with God which allows all of us to be a Children of God. Its because of the Blood of Jesus we can stand before God, pure as snow, unblemished.

I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:29

Jesus is preparing his disciples on what is about to happen at Calvary. But Jesus gives them words of hope and victory as he tells them they will celebrate again in Heaven.

So when you take communion remember what it means, remember the sacrifice Jesus made for you, and remember the victory we have thru Christ Amen

“For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. Matthew 26:12

As we continue our “Quest to The Cross” we reflect on a moment where Jesus was given a gracious offering by a woman in Bethany. The first take away from this moment was , even though the woman was poor, she poured the perfume over Christ, which was a very costly perfume. Probably cost a years wages

The disciples, specifically Judas rebuked her saying she is wasting money. However Jesus quickly defends the woman by saying “But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me.” (Matthew 26:10)

Case in point don’t worry what others have to say about your offering to God, he reads our hearts and minds, and knows this offering was her best. Don’t allow the world to interfere or take you away from your worship to Christ. Just like the woman, your offering will be noticed

The next take away is without this woman even knowing she was helping to fulfill prophecy. This expensive perfume was preparing the Lord Jesus Christs body to be our atonement sacrifice at the cross (Matthew 26:12). Even through the blood and agony his body endured, that strong scent was probably still there

“Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.” Matthew 26:13

From a theological perspective, this moment of the woman pouring perfume on Christ may seem insignificant. However Jesus thought it was important enough to remember this woman always. As you prepare for Passover (Good Friday) and throughout Holy Week, remember the offering and sacrifice Jesus made for us and he will remember yours also Amen

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. Matthew 4:1-2

Since this week is the beginning of Lent season, today we are taking a look at the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. This is symbolic of the 40 days before Easter (Lent Season) originated. During this journey we see that Jesus was tempted with three temptations that all of us face in our daily lives.

And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'” Matthew 4:3-4

The first temptation we see is the lust of the flesh. Jesus , who has been fasting for 40 days, is obviously very hungry and vulnerable at this point. Satan tries to tempt him by enticing him to make stones into bread. Jesus replies with scripture and says “Man shall not live on bread alone” meaning as Christians we deny our physical temptations which are sinful, to live holy and be a true disciple of Christ.

This could apply to many physical temptations in our lives such as drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, gluttony, ect. However by the Holy Spirit we can overcome these temptations and avoid sin

Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'” Matthew 4:5-6

The second temptation comes from human pride. Satan tries to challenge Jesus, by saying if you are the Son of God, then prove it. Often times in life when our pride is challenged, we might make a bad decision just to prove that we are the boss or in charge. Jesus however didn’t fall for this trap

Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'” Matthew 4:7

Satan was even quoting scripture to try and lure Jesus into the temptation, but Jesus responded by saying “Don’t test God”. Jesus demonstrated this humility also later in John 13, Jesus washed the feet of his own disciples. Instead of Jesus being a dictator leader he was leading by example.

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9

The final temptation Satan was trying to tempt Jesus into the lust of the eyes. Look at all these beautiful possessions we can have if we just sell our soul. Jesus didn’t fall for this but sadly we see people do this every day. We see actors and musicians sell all their morals and values just to become rich, what they don’t understand is they are worshipping Satan and his worldly system

Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'” Matthew 4:10

Again Jesus overcame this temptation and told Satan to go away! As the Bible tells us “Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7) Worship God and serve him only!

We need to remember Jesus was in human form, susceptible to Satans temptations and overcame by The Holy Spirit. We can overcome also because Greater is he living inside of me than he that is living in the world (! John 4:4) in Jesus Name Amen!

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:17

As we begin the “Lent Season”, I like to call it the “Road to the Resurrection”, the event that changed world forever. The moment when sin and death were abolished and defeated, the moment when the stone was rolled away from the tomb and Jesus walked out, we all now have eternal hope!

As Paul says, “if Christ wasn’t raised then your faith is worthless” meaning if the Resurrection didn’t happen then there is no Christianity. If the Resurrection didn’t happen then there is no hope to defeating sin and death. If the Resurrection didn’t happen, then Jesus would be just another prophet and not the Son of God

But on that Sunday morning, the Resurrection did happen, Jesus who suffered and died for our sins, rose again to live and reign forever. This single event changed everything! Jews and Gentiles began worshipping now on “The Lords Day” (Revelation 1:10) instead of the Sabbath Day. The curse of The Law was finally broken, as Jesus was our final atonement for our sins

Roman and Jewish Religious leaders tried to cover up this event, many people were executed , including Jesus apostles , all but John . But Jesus revealed himself to over 500 eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6) Jesus came back to his apostles and even showed them his marks from the cross. There is no doubt Christ has risen in Jesus name Amen!

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, Ephesians 5:25

Today as we celebrate Valentine’s Day we reflect on our own marriages, do you love your wife like Jesus loves the church? The first question would be how did Jesus love the Church? Jesus demonstrated his love for us on the cross by willingly giving up his life, even though we didn’t deserve it. Jesus willingly showed us love and mercy, even when we were his enemy. That’s a sacrificial love know as “Agape”

Often as Husbands we talk the talk but don’t walk the walk, true love is a demonstration. We can say whatever we want , for example I can say I’m an amazing musician , however if nobody has ever heard me play, is my claim truthful? This is the same with love, we can claim to love someone, but if we never demonstrate that love, is it truthful?

Again Jesus demonstrated that love for us, by releasing us from the bondages of sin and death by being the ransom for our sins. Why would Jesus do this? Because he loves us enough to, and we are instructed to love our wives as much as Jesus loves the Church!

Today I celebrate Valentine’s Day with my best friend, my soul mate, and my wife Heidi. As the Bible says when your married “Two Become One Flesh” , she completes me and I couldn’t imagine life without her. Thank you Father God for blessing me with a virtuous wife and wonderful family in Jesus Name Amen!

Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are– the Holy One of God!” Mark 1:23-24

Jesus entered the synagogue (Jewish place of worship) and there was a man possessed with a demons. Make note of this, we don’t usually think of demons being active in holy places such as churches, however as we see, demons are everywhere!

However the demons immediately recognize who Jesus is, “The Holy One of God” and they trembled as they said “Have you come to destroy us?” Even these demons recognizes the power and position of our Lord Jesus Christ, do you understand who Jesus is?

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. Mark 1:25-26

Jesus had no fear of these demons or their evil and rebuked them immediately. And at his command they were cast out, understand the power that we poses through Jesus Christ. As you walk through the valley of death, we can Fear No Evil (Psalm 23)because we are victorious through Jesus Christ!

Whatever evil Satan and his demons are tormenting you with today, don’t fear them, REBUKE them in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Amen!

“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Matthew 6:16

Is Ash Wednesday Biblical? Many Christians around the world and from many denominations will practice the ritual of “Ash Wednesday”, where they will put ashes on their forehead, but is this really Biblical?

Jesus taught us when we fast, not to let anyone know about it. Don’t neglect your appearance or put on a gloomy face so people will recognize you. Christianity always comes down to the heart, are you doing this to please God or to please man?

Jesus goes on to teach us to wash your face and anoint your head with oil not ashes.. Most importantly “Ash Wednesday” or even “Lent” is nowhere mentioned in The Bible and are man-made traditions. Should Christians follow these practices? We must remember the root of Jesus teachings. Praying and Fasting are not to be public spectacles to prove our righteousness. They should be done in private with your personal relationship with God

so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:18

God knows everything we do, in public or secret. If your participating in customs like “Ash Wednesday” make sure it’s not to be noticed or prove your holiness. So is “Ash Wednesday” Biblical? No. Although I respect everyone’s proclamation to display their faith in Christ, I think we need to be careful not to be hypocrites and doing it for the wrong reasons. Ultimately its everyone personal decision between them and God to make.

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For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. Romans 7:2

Are we still under the law? This is a popular question that has many Christians divided. First question is what is the law? The Law is the Torah, the first five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) of the Bible that were handed down by God to Moses. These books contain the laws of God and defines what sin is. Without these books we could never know what sin even is, among other things.

Paul gives us an example, if a woman’s husband dies, she could then remarry because she is no longer under the law of marriage because of his death. The same is with Christians, if you truly accepted Jesus as your savior, then your old self has died (Romans 6:6) and you can’t be under the law. Anyone who has not accepted Christ is still bound under the law, which the wages of sin is death.

Now knowing this, if you live by the Spirit let us walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) Meaning if you’re truly a servant of Christ, then you must live a holy life. You can’t walk with God and hold hands with the devil. God knows your heart and mind, and if you truly accept Jesus as your Savior, then you are circumcised at the heart (Romans 2:29)

Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law or the prophets but fulfill them (Matthew 5:17) The Law of God or Torah is still Gods standard, as he does not change (Malachi 3:6) However it is we that must change becoming transformed through Christ. Jesus tasted death so we didn’t have to (Hebrews 2:9) Live for Christ and Live forever in Jesus Name Amen

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. Matthew 26:19

The disciples didn’t prepare The Last Supper because it was there idea, they were commanded by Jesus to prepare The Last Supper, Why? Because Jesus wanted them and wants you to know how important his sacrifice on the cross is. This is an event that will change the world forever, change the destiny of humanity forever, and defeated sin and death forever.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26

Notice Jesus First Blessed the Bread, Then Broke The Bread, and Then gave it to everyone. Just as when Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread, he first Blessed The Bread and then Broke it. Breaking of Bread is a Jewish custom that the head of the table or household says the blessing and breaks the bread.

Jesus is not only showing them that his body on the cross will be a broken sacrifice for us like the Bread but also he is the King of Kings, he Blessed, Broke, and Delivered the Bread of Life for all of us

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28

Without Blood there is no life and without the Blood of Jesus there is no forgiveness for our sins. He is The Lamb of God, the atoning sacrifice for our sins. So by drinking the wine, remember the importance of Jesus sacrifice on the cross.

The cross created a new covenant with God which allows all of us to be a Children of God. Its because of the Blood of Jesus we can stand before God, pure as snow, unblemished.

I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:29

Jesus is preparing his disciples on what is about to happen at Calvary. But Jesus gives them words of hope and victory as he tells them they will celebrate again in Heaven.

So when you take communion remember what it means, remember the sacrifice Jesus made for you, and remember the victory we have thru Christ Amen